A Wall Comes Down in This Wood-and-White Kitchen
A dark, dated kitchen in Cleveland is transformed into a farmhouse kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room
“The clients wanted a timeless kitchen that was mostly white but that had an organic farmhouse feel,” Taghehchian says. Two white columns support a rough-hewn ceiling beam where there was once a wall. Below the beam is a step down into the family area. The island is 11 feet long and seats the entire family on wood and metal stools from World Market. The black pendant lamps are from Birch Lane.
Find wood and metal stools for your kitchen
Find wood and metal stools for your kitchen
The clients were very clear about wanting white subway tile, white wood cabinets and white granite countertops, but Taghehchian convinced them to go with the wood island to tie in the oak floors and add a natural touch to the space. “The combination of white and wood grain always feels so balanced and timeless,” Taghehchian says.
An antique kilim rug runner adds a dash of color to the white, wood and stainless steel space. “Details like the vintage runner add to the organic feeling,” Taghehchian says.
The hickory wood Homecrest cabinets are Shaker style, “a casual, easy aesthetic,” Taghehchian says, with dark metal pulls. Glass fronts on some cabinets break up the massing. In these cabinets, Taghehchian inserted a Quadrille’s China Seas wallpaper with a crisscross pattern in navy that shows off the homeowners’ collection of white dishes.
A vintage Betty Crocker cookbook on the back countertop that belonged to the wife’s grandmother was given a place of importance in the kitchen, where it also adds a lively pop of color. “Since she hired me, I’ve visited often,” the designer says, “and her friends are always contacting me about wanting the same kitchen.”
More
12 Sunny White-and-Wood Walk-Out Kitchens to Inspire
12 Farmhouse Touches That Bring Homeyness to a Kitchen
More
12 Sunny White-and-Wood Walk-Out Kitchens to Inspire
12 Farmhouse Touches That Bring Homeyness to a Kitchen
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of five
Size: 360 square feet (33.4 square meters)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Designer: Nikki Taghehchian of Vive Workshop
When this family of five moved into their home, it was with the knowledge the dark, dated kitchen would eventually need a makeover. But after a meeting with designer Nikki Taghehchian, the plan to transform the space by removing a load-bearing wall led to a dream kitchen beyond the family’s wildest expectations.
Removing the wall between the kitchen and the family room brought in light and a sense of openness. It also allows the parents to cook in the kitchen while keeping an eye on their children as they play in the family room. “With three young kids,” Taghehchian says, “the clients really wanted to take advantage of the unused space.”
What to Know Before You Tear Down That Wall